Justinian Jessup poured in 27 points with 5 three-pointers in Ulm’s 76-94 road victory over Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius. 

Justinian Jessup showed he deserves some attention too with undefeated Ulm

Most of the attention this off-season and start to the year at ratiopharm Ulm has been on the team's star teenage prospects [Ben Saraf ](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/ben-saraf/011437/)and [Noa Essengue](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/noa-essengue/011391/). But the man to really shine the brightest thus far has been [Justinian Jessup](https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/en/eurocup/players/justinian-jessup/013290/). 

Jessup poured in 27 points with 5 three-pointers in Ulm’s 76-94 road victory over Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius. 

“Getting an easy one early on helped me. And then the coaches and teammates were finding me and putting trust in me and let me shoot the ball and play freely,” said Jessup, who also chipped in 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal for a performance index rating of 30. 

Jessup puts on a show against Wolves

It was the second time in three EuroCup games that the 26-year-old forward has reached the 20-point mark in his debut season. In the opening round against Trefl Sopot, Jessup knocked down 6 three-pointers in tallying 20 points to go with 6 rebounds. 

Jessup helped Ulm in other ways in the Round 2 win over Joventut Badalona as he collected 9 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. 

Jessup returned to the club after being a late-season addition in 2023-24. But the sharpshooter, who had played at Zaragoza in 2022-23 and then the New Zealand Breakers before joining Ulm, was not high on the list of pre-season storylines for Ulm. The top of that was the dynamic pair of young NBA prospects 18-year-old Saraf and Essengue, who will turn 18 in December. 

Game Videos

But Jessup has shown he can really light it up. He is averaging 13.3 points in the German League for the 3-0 Ulm team, making 50 percent (14 of 28) from long range, including scoring 28 points with 5 three-pointers against Wurzburg in the first game of the season. 

When asked about Jessup, Ulm head coach Ty Harrelson just laughed and said: “When he gets hot, he’s really tough to stop.”

Ulm has not lost in six games in the two competitions, and Jessup just wants to enjoy the moment. 

“We’re just going to embrace it and take it one game at a time,” he said. 

Game News

After a big game vs. Wolves, the shooting ace is averaging 18.7 points so far this season

Justinian Jessup showed he deserves attention with undefeated Ulm

Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius v ratiopharm Ulm (2024-10-08T16:00:00.000Z)

Aris Midea Thessaloniki visited 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys at Kalnapilio Arena in a game in which both teams look for their first win in the 2024-26 BKT EuroCup. Aris prevailed 74-92 and three-point shots had to do a lot with it. 


Three-pointers lead Aris to first win 

Aris Midea Thessaloniki visited 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys at Kalnapilio Arena in a game in which both teams were looking for their first win in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup. Aris prevailed 74-92, and three-point shooting had to do a lot with it.

Aris ended up burying 11-of-21 three-pointers (52.4%) to get a no-doubt-about it win. The team had struggled from beyond the three-point line until now, hitting just 16 of 46 attempts (34.8% 3FG) in the previous two rounds. Aris had relatively poor numbers when it came to turnovers (18) and offensive rebounds (4) but its three-point accuracy made the difference in the game.

Vassilis Toliopoulos buried 6-of-8 shots from beyond the arc, finishing the game with a career-high 26 points. He was one three-point shot away from tying Aris's club record in the competition. Dimitrios Tsaldaris made 7 three-pointers for Aris in an 89-86 loss against Bnei Hasharon on January 13, 2008.

Vassilis Toliopoulos buried 6-of-8 shots from beyond the arc, finishing the game with a career-high 26 points.

Toliopoulos makes it rain in Panevezys

"First of all, I am very happy that I helped my team win. It was our first win of the year and was really important for us. It doesn't matter if it is me or another player, the most important is the team's win," Toliopoulos said after the game. "I think that was a great performance from our team. We are getting better on offense. We try to get better every day. We have a new team and I think we are going to be very good."

On the other hand, Lietkabelis was completely off-target from three-point territory, missing all of its 15 attempts. Only two teams in EuroCup history missed more three-pointers in a game without making one, Valencia Basket (25 vs. Le Mans Sarthe Basket, January 12, 2010) and Rytas Vilnius (16, vs. Limoges CSP, December 26, 2017). GasTerra Flames also missed all of its 15 three-point shots against Panellinios Athens on November 23, 2010.

"I am very happy for this win, especially for our players, because since the beginning of the season we had a very tough pre-season period, and our first official games were against very, very competitive opponents, so we had some bad results for us," Aris head coach Ioannis Kastritis added. "As you know, winning is very important regarding our psychology and our confidence in the beginning of the season, so I am very happy for our guys, for the effort they showed tonight at both ends."

Aris hopes to keep its momentum going in its upcoming two home games, as it hosts Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem in Round 4 and Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana in Round 5.

While Aris shot well from downtown, Lietkabelis was historically bad

Three-pointers led Aris to first win 

7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys v Aris Midea Thessaloniki (2024-10-08T16:00:00.000Z)

ratiopharm Ulm remained perfect in the BKT EuroCup with its second road victory as the German side defeated Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 74-96 in Group A. 

Ulm stays perfect with big late run, Wolves still winless

ratiopharm Ulm remained perfect in the BKT EuroCup with its second road victory as the German side defeated Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius 74-96 in Group A. The score was tight for most of the game until Ulm put together a 2-14 run in the fourth quarter to decide the game. 

Justinian Jessup hit 5 three-pointers in scoring 27 points, Alfonso Plummer scored 16, Philipp Herkenhoff and Nelson Weidemann both had 12 and Ben Saraf chipped in 10 points and 7 assists for the winners. Andrew Andrews tallied 19 points to pace Wolves, which fell to 0-3.

Wolves jumped ahead with the first 8 points including 5 from Kristupas Zemaitis. After missing its first six shots, Herkenhoff finally gave Ulm its first score on a triple after more than 3 minutes. Saraf and Weidemann both netted 5 points in a 0-10 surge to give Ulm a 10-13 lead. Wolves immediately knotted the game while 5 points from Jessup had Ulm up 20-21 after 10 minutes.

An unsportsmanlike foul on Daniel Baslyk resulted in 5 more points from Jessup for a 20-26 lead. Andrews put Wolves on the board with a four-point play only to have Herkenhoff hit another three-pointer to make it 29-35. Andrews continued his great quarter with 7 points to keep Wolves close but Weidemann and Plummer both hit three-pointers and the visitors were up 41-45 at the break. 

Tobias Jensen buried a triple to start the second half for a 41-48 Ulm lead. And it was 44-52 after a coast-to-coast lay-up by Noa Essengue. Wolves charged back into the game with a Garrison Brooks three and 3 free throws and a triple from Anthony Cowan to lead 53-52. Ulm reclaimed the lead and Plummer and Jessup both drained three-pointers for a 63-68 Ulm lead. But Jeffrey Taylor hit a triple at the buzzer and Wolves trailed just 66-68 after 30 minutes.

Andrews’s free throws to start the fourth quarter tied the game. Wolves could not score the next 2 minutes and Ulm scored 8 points to lead 68-76. The hosts punched back with the next 5 points only to see Ulm answer with a 2-14 run for a 75-90 cushion with 2 minutes to play to decide the game. 

Justinian Jessup remained red-hot with 5 three-pointers and 27 points

Turk Telekom Ankara maintained its perfect start to the 2024-25 EuroCup season by beating KK Cedevita Olimpija 78-70 in Round 3.

Turk Telekom downs Cedevita, 78-70, grabs third straight win

Turk Telekom Ankara remains unbeaten in the 2024-25 BKT EuroCup season after defeating Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana 78-70 at Ankara Spor Salonu on Tuesday. In a tight affair, the hosts managed to stay ahead throughout the game and played some solid defense in the last three quarters en route to clinching their third win in a row. Turk Telekom improved to a 3-0 record, with Cedevita dropping to 2-1.

Kyle Alexander and Yoan Makoundou dominated in the paint, scoring 16 points each and collecting 10 and 8 rebounds, respectively. Ismet Akpinar and Anthony Brown netted 12 apiece, with Olivier Hanlan adding 11. For the visiting side, Devante Jones, Aleksej Nikolic, Jaka Blazic and Derek Ogbeide recorded 10 points each.

Turk Telekom offered its fans an entertaining start to the game, with both Makoundou and Alexander posterizing Joan Beringer before the former drilled a triple for an 11-5 lead. Makoundou took his tally to 8 first-quarter points, but Nikolic responded beyond the arc and Ogbeide nailed a mid-range jumper to bring Cedevita within 16-12. Then, an Alexander three-point play was followed by buckets from Jones, Ogbeide and Devin Robinson to cut the difference to 23-22.

Akpinar made 3 of 3 from the line to extend Turk Telekom’s lead to four points heading into the second quarter, with Javon Bess netting one from inside for a 28-22 cushion. But Cedevita fought back, as Martinas Geben and Jones brought the guests within 32-30. Five points from Hanlan, who took his first-half tally to 9 points, were followed by an exchange of blows from inside and a series of free throws that saw Turk Telekom maintain a 43-37 lead at the break.

Brown and DJ Stewart traded mid-range jumpers before an Alexander hard-fought bucket restored a 48-43 cushion for the hosts. Following a Javon Bess layup in transition, the two teams went scoreless for two and a half minutes before the Turk Telekom forward beat the buzzer with a triple to extend his side’s lead to 53-45. Berkan Durmaz threw down a put-back slam, but Jones beat the third-quarter buzzer with a layup to bring Cedevita within 57-52 heading into the fourth.

Makoundou pulled off a spectacular put-back slam in the opening stages of the closing quarter, but four points from Ogbeide trimmed the deficit to 61-58. Alexander and Makoundou were on fire in the paint, netting a basket each after a Jaka Blazic triple to make it 67-61. Four points from Nikolic brought Cedevita within 71-66 in crunch time, but Akpinar nailed one from deep to make it a three-possession game with 1:22 remaining. Cedevita didn’t give up and pushed for a comeback, but a mid-range make from Brown sealed it for the hosts.

The visitors' unbeaten start to the season has come to an end

Turk Telekom Ankara v Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (2024-10-08T16:30:00.000Z)

Aris BC recorded its first win in Group B by downing Lietkabelis Panevezys 74-92 at Kalnapilio Arena in Round 3 on Tuesday. 


Vassilis Toliopoulos leads Aris past Lietkabelis, 74-92

Aris Midea Thessaloniki recorded its first win in Group B on Tuesday night by downing 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys 74-92 at Kalnapilio Arena in Round 3. Aris improved to 1-2 in the standings while Lietkabelis dropped to 0-3. 

Vassilis Toliopoulos paced the winners with 26 points on 6-of-8 three-pointers. Lefteris Bochoridis added 13 while Emmanouil Chatzidakis and David DeJulius each had 12 for Aris. Mantas Rubstavicius led Lietkabelis with 15 points. Marko Pecarski added 13 Georgios Kalaitzakis got 12 while Dovic Bickauskis had 10 for the hosts.

Rubstavicius got Lietkabelis going with a driving basket and Gabrielius Maldunas added a jump hook. James Banks scored twice in the paint to tie it at 4-4. Banks matched Pecarski's dunk with his third jump hook, then Oleksandr Kovliar's jumper restored an 8-6 Lietkabelis lead. Eleftherios Mantzoukas took over with a fast-break layup and Toliopoulos buried back-to-back three-pointers to make the hosts call a timeout at 10-14. Rubstavicius and Kalaitzakis stepped up to bring Lietkabelis within 16-17. Toliopoulos scored in penetration to restore a 16-19 Aris lead after 10 minutes.

Bickauskis surprised Aris's defense with a backdoor layup, then Martynas Varnas kept the hosts within 20-21. Mantzoukas and Bochoridis each struck from downtown in a 0-10 Aris run in which Rawle Alkins added a jumper and a two-handed dunk, good for a 20-31 lead. Pecarski scored in the low post before DeJulius hit back with a floater. Rubstavicius and Grantas Vasiliauskas fueled a 6-0 run that brought Lietkabelis within 28-33. Chatzidakis scored in the paint, getting help from Toliopoulos and Bochoridis to keep Aris out of trouble, 32-42, at halftime.

Pecarski and Trey Woodbury traded baskets soon after the break. Rubstavicius and Pecarski kept pacing Lietkabelis but Aris started to find easy baskets in the paint, with Banks and Joshua Roberts keeping the guests fully in charge, 40-49. Bochoridis downed a six-meter jumper and found Chatzidakis for a layup. De Julius added a fast-break basket and Woodbury's second-chance layup made Lietkabelis stop the game at 45-57. Toliopoulos buried an off-balance floater in the lane and added a three-pointer that broke the game open, 48-64. Bochoridis took over with a layup-plus-foul, then Kalaitzakis and Bickauskis brought Lietkabelis a bit closer, 55-70, after 30 minutes.

Chatzidakis stepped up with a put-back layup early in the fourth quarter and a red-hot Toliopoulos sank his fifth triple in as many attempts, good for a 55-75 Aris lead. Vasiliauskas followed a fadeaway jumper with a big dunk in traffic to give Lietkabelis hope, 61-75, with 8 minutes left. Toliopoulos struck from beyond the arc and Chatzidakis scored again to seal the outcome, 65-80. Lietkabelis could not come back in the final 4 minutes, as Aris kept full control of the game until the final buzzer.

The Greek side notched its first win of the season

Devin Robinson has been key in helping KK Cedevita Olimpija get off to a flying start in this year's EuroCup, which have come after two tough years for the club.

Devin Robinson looking to bring Cedevita Olimpija back where they belong in the EuroCup

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana had a tough time in last year's BKT EuroCup. The team’s first victory of the season came at the end of January, meaning it had gone on a 15-game losing streak. After finally breaking that unwanted streak on the road in Hamburg, two other defeats against the London Lions and Paris Basketball concluded a thoroughly disappointing season.

The Slovenian powerhouse knew it couldn't fail on an ambitious but important mission: finding the right assets in the summer market to reshape a winning mentality for the Dragons.

First and foremost, Cedevita brought in a former EuroCup champion as head coach in Zvezdan Mitrovic, then went about bringing in several new faces who could make a difference. Adding strength to solid players like DJ Stewart and Jaka Blazic, Brynton Lemar and Devante Jones joined the team. Somebody could even fly: his name is Devin Robinson.

Read more about Devin Robinson and his impact at Cedevita [HERE](https://www.eurohoops.net/en/eurocup/1724375/devin-robinson-cedevita-olimpija-ljubljana-bkt-eurocup-2024-2025/).

The American forward has been huge in helping the Slovenian team already get better results than last year

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has managed to turn things around. After a 0-15 start to the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season, Cedevita won its first two games this season and is one of four undefeated teams in Group A. A balanced offense has allowed Coach Zvezdan Mitrovic's team to be strong right away: six players are averaging double digits in scoring so far. One of them is point guard Aleksej Nikolic

Aleksej Nikolic, Cedevita: 'Consistency is the key to good results'

Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana has managed to turn things around. After a 0-15 start to the 2023-24 BKT EuroCup season, Cedevita won its first two games this season and is one of four undefeated teams in Group A. A balanced offense has allowed Coach Zvezdan Mitrovic's team to be strong right away: six players are averaging double digits in scoring so far.

One of them is point guard Aleksej Nikolic, who left Slovenia as a teenager and played in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany, Serbia, Italy, France and Spain before returning to his home country. Nikolic has averaged 13.0 points on 54.5% three-point shooting, 2.5 assists and a PIR of 14.0 so far this season. Nikolic gave professional and personal reasons for playing for Cedevita this season, as he told Javier Gancedo of [EuroCupBasketball.com](http://EuroCupBasketball.com) in this interview.

"What they presented me and how we talked about what the team is going to look like and what they are trying to accomplish, for me, it made sense. I liked it. So from a basketball standpoint, that was a yes," Nikolic said. "And another thing is, of course, now being a father, having a family coming home can make a lot of stuff a little bit easier."

**Hello, Aleksej. First things first, Cedevita Olimpija is 2-0 this season after a start 0-15 last season. How important was a good start to get that thought out of the way?** 

"To be really honest, we tried not to compare too much what was happening last season with what is going on now. In many ways, it is a new team, a completely different system, and how we play kind of separates both stories. But nevertheless, you want to start well regardless of what was going on before. These are crucial wins for us, to let us know that we are doing something good, that we are maybe on the right path. And when you win, it is a lot easier to have confidence and move on, so being 2-0 is really good for us to start."

"I believe Luka [Doncic] follows our results and he maybe watches some games."

**You had a balanced offense in both games, many players in double digits of PIR but none over 21 in any of the games. How great of a sign is that?** 

"The team is built that way. We have a lot of guys that can deliver good performances at any time of the game. It doesn't really necessarily have to be anybody starting well, or even the other way around: someone can start well and have a tough time after that. If someone starts slow and then in the end he is the one to pull us, it is the team that matters. By having this kind of bench depth, it is kind of easier that in any game, anyone can have a good night or a good game."

**You were trusted with the game-cliching free throws at the end of the game against Reyer. You have always been terrific at that. What does it take to be an elite free throw shooter?** 

"I believe free throws is repetition, focus and just working on it, trying to imagine situations where you have to score important free throws. We have to try to do it in practice because, in the game, it's a whole different story. But like I said, you can try to make the environment in practice for that kind of, let's say, pressure to simulate what it can be like in the game."

**It feels like yesterday when we saw you with Spars in the ANGT, but you will turn 30 next season and just became a father. How does all that experience impact your game?** 

"Oh, a whole lot. I'd like to think that I have some sort of experience because of how many leagues and countries I have been around throughout my career so far: France, Spain, Italy, Germany, ABA League... everywhere! I try to pick up different things that I can learn and adapt to any kind of basketball-style gameplay. All of that together, as I like to say, can benefit me to recognize situations that maybe I have been there before and to move through them. Let's say it is easier to recognize them, easier to read them. And of course, like you said, being a father creates a whole new perspective in my life. I guess it gives me another motivation to really try to be better every day in every aspect of my life."

Aleksej Nikolic averages 13.0 points and 2.4 assists for Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana so far this season.

Nikolic leads Cedevita to 2-0 start in Group B

**You are also back in Slovenia for the first time since you were a teenager. Was it one of the main factors to join Cedevita Olimpija?** 

"I mean, there are two things I'd like to say about my decision \[to join the club\]. What they presented me and how we talked about what the team is going to look like and what they are trying to accomplish, for me, it made sense. I liked it. So from a basketball standpoint, that was a yes. And another thing is, of course, now being a father, having a family coming home can make a lot of stuff a little bit easier. So those two factors were the deciders, honestly. And I have to say, I am so far satisfied with my decision."

**You played with Jaka Blazic in the Slovenian national team for many years. How great is it to have him as a mentor and leader in Cedevita Olimpija?** 

"The idea is great, he has a lot of experience. First of all, just being in this club, understanding the environment, ascending the situation. When I decided to come to \[Cedevita\] Olimpija, I first called him to let him know, and he was happy about it. We talked about everything a little bit, so having him around is just to keep reminding us where we play and who we are on the court. Like you said, he has a lot of experience and I like to believe he can recognize all situations. He is ready in any moment, and prepared, for anything that comes our way. And as a captain, he leads us."

**Speaking of the Slovenian national team, does Luka Doncic follow you guys and Cedevita Olimpija? He and his father played for Olimpija in the past, after all...**

"I believe Luka follows our results and he maybe watches some games. I know that, as a kid, he was coming to watch the games when Olimpija was still in the EuroLeague, this was like 10-12 years ago or even more, if I'm not mistaken. But I know he is, let's say, a fan or a follower of the club. I think he does follow us a little bit."

"I like to think that I follow basketball a lot. Let's say I am a basketball junkie."

**You love basketball and everything about it. How much do you like to talk about basketball and follow competitions in your time off? Do you remember any teammate who loved to talk about basketball at all times?** 

"Oh yeah, I like to think that I follow basketball a lot. Let's say I am a basketball junkie. I like to know stuff. I follow the NBA, the EuroLeague and I try to follow as many leagues as I can. I try to pick up some stuff throughout the games, maybe something innovative I can see on the court. For that, I am really passionate and my wife is the same. She follows basketball a lot, not as freakishly as me. A little less than that, of course, but we watch EuroLeague together almost every time when we can. As for teammates, I would have to say the biggest ones were Nikos Zisis and Nicolo Melli back from the Bamberg days. I have to say those two guys. So I found victims, let's say, to really talk about everything. But let's say these two are the first ones that came to mind, Nikos and Nicolo. We would watch sometimes games together back in the day."

**Hmm... Amedeo Della Valle, maybe?** 

"Oh, of course, Amedeo. He watches a lot of basketball, too. He loves it. I give him an honorable mention."

**Your next game is against Turk Telekom Ankara, which is also 2-0 so far. How much are you looking forward to this game at this time of the season, knowing that both teams are undefeated?**

"I think we can expect a good game, a hard game, especially them playing at home. They are gonna feel very confident, for sure. And like you said, they won two games, close games, so from that standpoint, we can suggest that they know how to win this kind of game. They have enough experience, it's going to be really tough. We will have to prepare really well. Tactically speaking, they can be really sharp with their head coach \[Erdem Can\]." 

**Finally, you are off to a good start. What does Cedevita Olimpija need to do to go to the playoffs and then see what happens?**

"We skipped most of the season now, it's too early to think about the playoffs. But I think for any team, I believe that consistency is the key to good results, so in order for us to achieve this, we are going to have to stay consistent with our playing level. That doesn't necessarily mean that we will win every game. You cannot guarantee that, but you can have consistency and if we have that, you can expect good results. This is what we will try to aim for, and then, like you said, we will see what happens at the end of the season." 

More Cedevita Olimpija News

The Cedevita playmaker spoke in an exclusive interview with Javier Gancedo

Check out what the protagonists are saying ahead of the BKT EuroCup Round 3, and who might be missing in action.

Round 3: Pre-game quotes and injury reports

## Tuesday, October 8

### 7Bet-Lietkabelis Panevezys vs. Aris Midea Thessaloniki (18:00 CEST)

**Ioannis Kastritis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki head coach**

"We have a very demanding mission, facing Lietkabelis on the road. Both teams are looking for their first win in the competition and I believe it’s going to be a very tough game. We need to be very focused and decisive in both ends, controlling the tempo of the game, a factor that will be crucial for the final result."

**Lefteris Bochoridis, Aris Midea Thessaloniki guard**

"We are looking for our first win in the EuroCup and we have a difficult game ahead. Lietkabelis has 0-2 like us, but it is a very good team. In order to get the win, we have to be very concentrated, avoid turnovers and be much more effective in our offense. If we do those things in the biggest part of the game, we can get our first victory for this season."

### Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius vs. ratiopharm Ulm (18:00 CEST)

**Alessandro Magro, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius head coach:**

"It will be a very tough game. Ulm is a team that has won all five games from the start of the season in both the domestic league and the BKT EuroCup. This will be our second home game, and we’ve elevated our level of play in recent games. Even in our last game against Hapoel, we did a lot of good things throughout the game. We are confident that we have the will to try to have the first win, especially in front of our fans here in Vilnius."

**Matas Jogela, Wolves Twinsbet Vilnius forward:**

"The Ulm team is very dangerous. They have a lot of good shooters and share the ball well in possession. We expect a very competitive game, but we need to focus on ourselves first. We’ve conceded too many points in the last few games, and that’s the main issue we need to fix. So, our big focus should be on defense. After the victory in the national league, we will try to carry that positive energy into this game."

### Turk Telekom Ankara vs. Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana (18:30 CEST)

**Djordje Adzic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana assistant coach:**

"Turk Telekom is a team built to achieve the highest goals in the EuroCup. Two seasons ago, they reached the final of the competition, and this season, they also have big ambitions, being considered favorites to take first place in our group. Tuesday's game will be specific for both teams; after two games, both teams have two wins, and both have one important player injured in their rotation - Brynton Lemar for us, and Vasilis Charalampopoulos for the Turkish team, who also got injured in the previous round of the EuroCup. Turk Telekom is a good team with good players, especially in guard positions. Our opponents are dangerous on both sides of the court, and our task is to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise in the game."

**Bine Prepelic, Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana forward:**

"Both teams have started the new EuroCup season with two wins in their first two games. We know that Tuesday's away game will be difficult in a hall with loud fans. Turk Telekom plays extremely aggressively both on offense and defense. We have an evening practice in Ankara to prepare thoroughly, but I believe that with team play and the style of play we’ve shown in the opening games of the EuroCup season, we can hope for a good outcome. We’ve started the EuroCup season excellently, just as we quietly hoped. With two wins, we’ve already improved on last season’s result, but that doesn’t satisfy us. We need to maintain this rhythm and continue racking up more wins."

**Injury report**: head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic will be unable to attend the game due to illness; Brynton Lemar is OUT according to the club

### Besiktas Fibabank Istanbul vs. Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (20:00 CEST)

**Stefanos Dedas, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv head coach**

"We have one more tough game ahead of us against one of the best teams in the competition that has the same players and coaching staff as they did last year. They hurt our team last year and we want to take basketball revenge and double our wins in the competition. There will be up and downs during the game but we have to show character and get this win."

**Tomer Ginat, Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv forward**

"We learned last season that every game matters and the game against Besiktas is very important for us. We come with confidence after our first victory last week. We will do what we can to get the win and make our fans and community happy in this difficult time."

### Umana Reyer Venice vs. Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (20:00 CEST)

**Neven Spahija, Umana Reyer Venice head coach**

"In our conditions, every opponent is really difficult to face. In particular, Bourg, a team that is playing great basketball, both offensively and defensively, with a lot of talent. We need to focus on ourselves and on what we are called to do. Our main focus right now is defense; we have to do much better, and the main goal of this game for us is to take a step forward in our half of the court. In \[the Italian League game in\] Trento, we lost the game due to defensive details, also caused by a lack of concentration.

**Davide Moretti, Umana Reyer Venice guard**

"It will be a tough game because they are a solid team and in good form; unfortunately, we know our situation. But we are playing at home, and we will try to leverage this factor, imposing our game and giving our all for forty minutes. We need to build on the mentality we had in Trento, without giving an inch and fighting for every possession. There are things we cannot control, like injuries, but getting through this moment will help us for the rest of the season. In any case, we go onto the court to win.

**Frederic Fauthoux, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse head coach**

"The season is underway, we're playing one match after another. It's never easy to play away and against this Reyer team. Currently, we have two victories, and we want to continue in this direction, to position ourselves well in the championship."

**Adrian Nelson, Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse forward**

"Reyer is a very solid team and has been playing good so far in EuroCup and at home. As a team, we know that we have to be great on the defense. We have to stay true to ourselves, play together, and be confident."

**Injury report:**

**Xavier Munford** is OUT: following a severe contusion sustained in the game against Treviso, has suffered a cartilage injury to his right knee. The player will be reevaluated in 15 days.

**Tyler Ennis** is a game-time decision: Ennis has sustained a sprain to his right knee during the game against Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana. The player is working with the technical and physiotherapy staff for a swift recovery.

**Jordan Parks** is OUT: During Thursday's practice, Parks experienced a muscle strain in his right thigh. Medical examinations revealed a muscle injury in the right groin area, which will be clinically reevaluated in two weeks.

**Amedeo Tessitori** is OUT: Tessitori sustained a sprain to his right ankle during the Trento - Reyer game in the Italian League. The player is undergoing diagnostic tests and will be out vs. Bourg.

## Wednesday, October 9

### U-BT Cluj-Napoca vs. Valencia Basket (18:00 CEST)

**Mihai Silvasan, U-BT Cluj-Napoca head coach**

"Everybody knows who Valencia is in the world of basketball. They are an extremely strong team. They want to compete in the Euroleague and they have great players. They started the season strong, but we cannot wait for this game. I am glad we will finally have our full roster. I hope we will play good quality basketball and we want the victory, especially that we will play at home, with many fans cheering for us."

**Sasu Salin, U-BT Cluj-Napoca guard**

"Valencia is one of the toughest teams in the competition, one of the favorites. I have played many times against them, I know their level. They are well coached, they play fast. They take many offensive rebounds. I think we have very good chances here, at home. We will go there and enjoy the game. We have better confidence and we will play with much energy. The fans are very supportive, even though we lost the first two home games. We want to show a different type of basketball for our fans and give them wins."

**Juan Maroto, Valencia Basket head coach**

“These two home games, we have noticed the crowd. And the other game we played away in the EuroCup was in Bulgaria. So now we go to an important atmosphere, so imposing, cheering as much as we saw in their first game in Romania against Cedevita. We must keep our style, try to put our philosophy on every game, without caring too much if the opponent plays one way or another or if the atmosphere is more or less hostile. They already have a certain history in the EuroCup, they have very good Americans, especially in the point guard position with Simpson, he is a top player in assists right now and very important in scoring. Mokoka seems to me another totally essential player. Two inside players also with a certain level, the truth is that it is a team with great players, who play at a good pace and with a good style, the truth is that I liked them a lot”.

**Nate Reuvers, Valencia Basket forward**

“We definitely want to stay strong like we have been, and go there and try to get another win. We want to stay involved, playing at 100% all the time. And if you can't play at 100% anymore, the teammate that comes in has to go out there and give it their all. I think the team's style suits me. Obviously I want to keep improving, I think there's more I can give and I want to keep going.”

**Injury report:** Chris Jones out (finger), Goran Filipovic (not called up).

### Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem vs. Veolia Towers Hamburg (19:00 CEST)

**Yonatan Alon, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem head coach:**

"We want to maintain the positive momentum we built in the last EuroCup game and in our league debut. We feel like we're getting into a good rhythm and starting to discover who we are as a team. We'll be facing a tough opponent, one we have great respect for, and we must not underestimate any rival in the EuroCup. As always, we'll enter the game aiming to win and to bring a bit of joy to our fans during this challenging and complex time."

**Gabi Chachashvili, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem center:**

"It's important for us to keep moving in the positive direction we're on, show quality basketball and, of course, continue our winning streak. We feel that Hamburg is a better team than their results suggest, and we will need to come in very focused and play our style of basketball. It's very important for us to make our fans happy, they are, supporting us from afar – we feel their love and support all the time."

**Jerusalem injury Report**: Nimrod Levi OUT (ankle injury), Khadeen Carrington OUT (personal matters)

**Hamburg injury report**: Zsombor Maronka OUT (ankle joint injury), Keondre Kennedy OUT (temporary muscular hip injury), Niklas Wimberg OUT (recovering from a broken leg), Kur Kuath OUT (temporary knee problems)

### Trefl Sopot vs. Joventut Badalona (19:00 CEST)

**Geoffrey Groselle, Trefl Sopot center:**

They are a very talented team, all really good players. We are ready to fight, give our best effort. I can promise we are going to fight. We have to focus on the thing the coach is preaching to us every day, like 50-50 balls, playing hard, being in the right position.

**Injury report**: All of Trefl's players are available for Round 3.

### Dolomiti Energia Trento vs. Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (20:00 CEST)

**Fabio Bongi, Dolomiti Energia Trento assistant coach**

“We go into the challenge against Podgorica with great confidence and charge, despite some absences due to some injuries. They have a high-level roster, full of experienced players, and an extremely competitive group of big men. In the first games of the season they have shown that they are a close-knit group, who like to share the ball and help each other a lot on defense.”

**Myles Cale, Dolomiti Energia Trento guard**

“Yesterday we started preparing for the challenge against Buducnost and we know that they will definitely come determined after two losses in the EuroCup. They have many interesting players and we have to stay focused to prepare as best we can, bringing with us the enthusiasm of the last games. I hope many fans will come to support us, because the atmosphere on Saturday, when everyone started jumping, was wonderful.”

**Injury report:** Eigirdas Zukauskas out (ankle).

### Dreamland Gran Canaria vs. Bahcesehir College Istanbul (21:00 CEST)

**Dejan Radonjic, Bahcesehir College Istanbul head coach**

"We all know how good of a team Gran Canaria is. Every year they form a solid team and they have been working with the same coach for the third straight year who is doing a great job with the team. They started the season really well too, we are expecting a very tough game. They are the best team in steals and best transition team in our league. We have to be aware to play all 40 minutes with maximum focus."

**Furkan Haltali, Bahcesehir College Istanbul center**

"This is going to be a very important and hard game for us. We know that every game matters and we will give everything to get the win. We started the season well and we aim to keep it that way, but we can not take it for granted."

Dreamland Gran Canaria v Bahcesehir College Istanbul (2024-10-09T19:00:00.000Z)

Dolomiti Energia Trento v Buducnost VOLI Podgorica (2024-10-09T18:00:00.000Z)

Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem v Veolia Towers Hamburg (2024-10-09T17:00:00.000Z)

Besiktas Fibabanka Istanbul v Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv (2024-10-08T18:00:00.000Z)

Trefl Sopot v Joventut Badalona (2024-10-09T17:00:00.000Z)

U-BT Cluj-Napoca v Valencia Basket (2024-10-09T16:00:00.000Z)

Umana Reyer Venice v Cosea JL Bourg-en-Bresse (2024-10-08T18:00:00.000Z)

All of a sudden, we are about to start Round 3 od the BKT EuroCup Regular Season. Seven teams remain undefeated in the competition while seven others are looking for their first victory. You can still find some top-class bargains in the EuroCup Fantasy Challenge. Instead of going for the most expensive players, we are trying to give you options to enhance your team ahead of Round 3.

Fantasy Challenge tips, Round 3: Plenty of bargains!

All of a sudden, we are about to start Round 3 of the BKT EuroCup Regular Season. Seven teams remain undefeated in the competition while seven others are looking for their first victory. You can still find some top-class bargains in the [EuroCup Fantasy Challenge](https://euroleaguefantasy.euroleaguebasketball.net/). Instead of going for the most expensive players, we are trying to give you options to enhance your team ahead of Round 3. Here they are:

### Jared Harper, Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem (11.1 credits)

Harper has just been unstoppable so far this season and the fact that he is only 11.1 credits makes him a must-have player in all teams. He is averaging 25.0 points on 96.7% free throws, 3.5 assists, 9.0 fouls drawn and a PIR of 27.0. His shooting percentages are low (35.3% 2FG, 25.0% 3FG) so he has potential to do even better. Buy him now!

### Adrian Nelson, Cosea JL Bourg en Bresse (9.9 credits)

Nelson has surprised a lot of EuroCup fans with his overall energy and effectiveness. In two games, he has averaged 14.5 points on solid shooting (63.6% 2FG, 44.4% 3FG), 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, no turnovers (in 42 minutes!) and a PIR of 19.5. Nelson can do a little bit of everything, and that always has fantasy value. Less than 10 credits, too.

Javier Gancedo is happy to provide a few suggestions to improve your fantasy teams ahead of BKT EuroCup Round 3.

Fantasy Challenge tips, Round 3

### Noa Essengue, ratiopharm Ulm (6.5 credits)

A lot was expected from Essengue, but I would say he is doing even better so far this season. He is averaging 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and a PIR of 18.0. He has a big role in the team and at just 6.5 credits, his price is very, very low. Essengue is owned by 23.3% of all fantasy teams. That means over 75% of managers are missing out.

### Stefan Jovic, Valencia Basket (10.3 credits)

Chris Jones is injured, so Jovic is Valencia's natural first choice at point guard. He has been around for a while, both in Valencia and in European competitions. Jovic has been solid, too, averaging 10.0 points on a whooping 87.5% two-point shooting, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and a PIR of 15.5. Expect him to be Valencia's main floor general in Round 3.

### Marko Simonovic, Bahcesehir College Istanbul (11.0 credits)

A force of nature coming off the bench, Simonovic has posted good numbers, leading Bahcesehir to a 2-0 record. He is averaging 11.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 2.0 blocks and a PIR of 16.5. There are not so many good centers out there but with Simonovic and Tai Odiase, Bahcesehir has made sure to be really deep and dangerous at both ends.

Javier Gancedo is happy to provide a few suggestions to help you improve your fantasy teams.